Friday, February 08, 2008

Gosh has it been busy this week!

I remember last year making a comment to my daughter about missing my favorite blogger. She hadn't written anything in about a week. Stephanie told me she was probably out living those things she blogs about. I thought of that today as I realized I hadn't been able to find five minutes to turn on the computer!

My Week at a Glance gave no indication this would be such a busy week. However, all three of us had appointments, errands, and even one or two fun events (like meeting my friend, Linda, for breakfast this morning in a town near me and getting in some "thrifting").

Yesterday my husband and I took two boxes of books to the library and then stopped by Goodwill to drop off items. It was actually his idea to go in and look around awhile since he needs a few more shirts (after adding a little extra weight for the first time in his life!) I found a couple great tops, including a very nice "dressy" sweater with the tags still on it which fills a wardrobe need. Well... the sweater... not the tags. :)

In the meantime, my house looks like the proverbial whirlwind came through but we're doing a good job of getting rid of extra "stuff", cleaning closets, etc. I even cleaned out the refrigerator this evening. Sasha had better be careful and not go to sleep under something I've decided "has to go". It feels good to get rid of excess as it causes me to loosen my grip on "stuff" that I don't need, anymore.

I used to purchase quite a few books for the kids at Goodwill, the idea being at sixty-nine cents each it wouldn't hurt to have a good amount for them to go through. This last visit, though, they decided to take back very few of them and I found myself returning more children's books and wooden puzzles than I thought I would. Now I'm purchasing very few books and no more puzzles. I guess they are on overload! Even when items are very inexpensive, the cost can add up over time. I am definitely on the "quality over quantity" plan.

I had just told my husband that I was planning to finish all my late winter cleaning by Monday when the phone rang (I should have known). Sheila if feeling better and she and our friend Suzy are going into the "City" on Monday and they made the offer for me to join them. One of their stops is to Trader Joe's, my very favorite food shop, and a possible visit to Sheila's favorite Jewish deli. It took a few seconds to rethink next weeks plans and say an almost certain "yes!". I don't like to drive in big cities so this is my chance to stock up on some Trader Joe's items.

I don't know about you but my life seems to go in "seasons". I can go weeks and weeks with the only trips into town being to church, the grocery store, and perhaps the library. I can become quite the hermit for weeks at a time with friends wondering if I'm still alive and breathing. Then there are seasons as of late when I feel like a social butterfly, even if most of my social life this week was spent at appointments with medical professionals (and a few friends).

I try to strive for balance but we tend to live in an out-of-balance world. I really want Margin, as Richard Swenson calls it (a truly life changing book). I need to stop by the grocery store in the morning. Then I'll spend the afternoon getting some of the residual clutter picked up and taken care of (either put away here or in a box for charity).

Once that is finished... I will plan a solitary tea party, perhaps with a good book, perhaps taking time to work on my scrapbook journal, possibly listening to some music. Whatever I decide, it must add balance to the chaos of a busy week. I must have some alone time... quiet time... thinking and pondering time.

On another matter, I know I'm going to spend some computer time soon visiting the bloggers who have left comments. If you are waiting for an e-mail from me, I'll get there soon. Perhaps next week... but I will answer.

5 comments:

Kelly said...

Did you ever get in the car and had to think about when you last drove???? lol
I live in a big city but am such a *home-body* there are times I have to think of where I went besides church! Enjoying your blog!

Kelly

Vee said...

Have fun with your friends; one has to grab the opportunities when they arise lest they pass us by. There'll be many chances for the "alone" times.

I'm with you on the books and the "stuff" that comes into our lives. Sometimes I get so easily confused between what I want and what I need. I am working toward ruthlessness when culling my books. I have seven bookshelves. When they are too full to hold more, I must make choices. Same with closet space, garage space, cupboard space, etc., etc., etc.

Terri said...

I love going to thrift stores! Don't you? I learned this week that the Salvation Army has 1/2 price day on Wednesdays. Guess where I am going Wedsnesday? LOL!

Hope you had a wonderful time with your friends. I do so wish I had girlfriends around close enough to do things like that. It sounds so wonderful to me!

Anonymous said...

OOOHHH WELL!!! All this means you are alive!!

take care

Pace e Bene
br.freddie

Anonymous said...

Dear Brenda,
I am sorry you are sick!:(
I love reading your posts. Very encouraging! Thank you for reminding me about truth and quality. Very true.
Have a wonderful day, Brenda.

Carrie.